Cheteshwar Pujara, one of the most dependable middle-order Test Batters, has revealed his all-time India Test XI. Known for his nature, Pujara might have been out of the national squad for some time, but there’s no denying he remains one of the finest batsmen of his era. And when he speaks about the game, the world listens. Recently, on the Sports Tak podcast–Vikrant Unfiltered revealed his all-time Indian Test XI, which is packed with legends and new-time cricketers who shaped India. Despite being one of the finest batters, he has excluded himself from the list and included his idol Rahul Dravid as the number three batter in India’s all-time playing XI list.
Pujara’s all-time Test Playing XI
Pujara, who last played in India Test whites during the World Test Championship Final against Australia, has picked Rahul Dravid in the number three spot and said that Dravid is a much better batsman than himself. He then picked other Indian legends, Sunil Gavaskar and Virendra Sehwag, as openers.
He said “The openers are a weird combination, both are very strong batters, but Calm and composed Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag, very aggressive. So, this can different way. Number 3. Rahul Dravid. He has been a better player. Without any doubt.”
Choosing the wicketkeeper, the player said that it is a difficult choice to make between MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant, as they both are great at keeping wickets for the team, but then eventually picked Captain Cool as a choice.
“MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant share a close bond. I am going with MS Dhoni leads, but Rishabh Pant is steadily improving as a cricketer. I hope that by the time Pant’s career comes to an end, I can say he has become a better player,” Pujara said on Sports Tak.
Pujara placed Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and VVS Laxman at 4, 5, and 6 in his all-time Indian Test XI, with MS Dhoni taking the gloves. Explaining his reason for keeping the sequence, the player said that he has picked them as on their debut years. Pujara selected legendary all-rounder and the former world champion, Kapil Dev, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah for the bowling lineup.
Here is Pujara’s all-time Test XI:
Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman, MS Dhoni (wk), Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kapil Dev and Jasprit Bumrah.
